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Diners may seem a bit old school for a city like San Francisco, but there are dozens of these retro establishments doing great business across the city. Union Square, a popular tourist area with lots of great shopping, is a particular hotspot for diner-style restaurants in San Francisco. These are among the most popular in the area, and they’re sure to suit the tastes of most diners. Just in case they don’t, though, there are others to choose from within a few blocks of Union Square.

Lori’s Diner

Situated just a short walk from Union Square, Lori’s Diner is a 24-hour, 50s-inspired diner serving up American classics in a friendly setting. This is the classic diner, and it’ll be a welcome refuge for travelers who want a familiar taste of home in a city that can be a bit aggressive in its commitment to keeping things weird. This is the second Lori’s Diner location; the other is at Ghirardelli Square, another popular shopping destination for tourists.

Sears Fine Food

As a business that’s been in continuous operation since 1938, Sears Fine Food was alive and kicking before the traditional diner era really came about. As a result, it’s got a bit more of a classic sit-down restaurant feel, though menu features like blue plate specials and classic burgers-and-fries fare captures the right elements of the diner spirit. Sears Fine Food also has some unique menu items, like Swedish pancakes, that can suit the more adventurous diners.

Olympic Flame Cafe

The Olympic Flame Cafe is a bit more of a bare-bones diner experience, favoring clean white walls to 50’s chrome and vinyl. In spite of this, the place feels cozy, and it offers a quiet break for simple food when travelers get a bit weary of the urban fervor surrounding Union Square.

Pinecrest Diner

Another local diner institution, Pinecrest Diner bills itself as the “oldest-standing 24-hour diner in Union Square.” Pinecrest opened its doors in 1969, and since then it’s gotten a reputation as a lively place to get good, simple food in large quantities for (relatively) low prices. This is a family-owned joint, and the original owners’ son, who grew up in the diner, took the reins from mom and pop in 2008. Though there have been some menu updates throughout the years to keep the diner fresh and relevant, its menu will have plenty of easily recognizable and appealing items for those who aren’t exactly enthusiastic to sit down to bowls of kale and quinoa.